Witness Reveals How Sierra Leonean Man Was Caught With $90,000 Cash at Lagos Airport

Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday presented its first prosecution witness in the trial of Ahmed Shaw, a Sierra Leonean national accused of failing to declare $90,000 upon his arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos this past March.

Danladi Ibrahim, an operative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), testified before the Federal High Court in Lagos, detailing how he intercepted and interrogated Mr. Shaw at the airport.

According to Mr. Ibrahim, the undeclared cash was discovered concealed in Mr. Shaw’s hand luggage during a search conducted on March 3, 2025.

Mr. Shaw was arraigned on April 4, following his arrest by the NDLEA at the MMIA. The EFCC alleges that his failure to declare the substantial amount of foreign currency constitutes a violation of Section 3(5) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

This law mandates that individuals entering Nigeria must declare any foreign currency or negotiable instruments exceeding $10,000 to the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS). Failure to comply can result in the forfeiture of the undeclared funds and a potential prison sentence of at least two years, or both.

During Wednesday’s proceedings, Mr. Ibrahim informed the court that Mr. Shaw claimed the funds were intended for a business trip. The witness also stated that the $90,000 was counted in the presence of Mr. Shaw, his legal representative, the arresting officer, and the exhibit officer.

The prosecution presented Mr. Shaw’s extra-judicial statement, a transfer note from the NDLEA to the EFCC, and the $90,000 cash as evidence. However, the transfer note was later withdrawn following an objection from the defense.

Under cross-examination, Mr. Ibrahim explained that Mr. Shaw was “profiled” and questioned upon arrival. When asked why Mr. Shaw was singled out, Mr. Ibrahim stated he was not satisfied with the defendant’s response regarding his profession as a businessman, prompting the search.

He also confirmed that Mr. Shaw did not provide any proof of his business activities at the time.

Mr. Shaw has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is currently remanded in a correctional centre. The trial judge, Deinde Dipeolu, adjourned the case until May 7 for the continuation of the trial.